CIOB names 29 winners in first Hub Recognition Awards

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has named 29 members as winners of its first Hub Recognition Awards, a new scheme that recognises contributions to the industry and to local communities through its network of hubs.

The awards have two categories: Rising Star, for professionals in their first five years in the industry, and the Outstanding Contribution Award, for members CIOB said have made a significant contribution to the industry. The institute's announcement page carries a last-updated date of 21 October 2026.

Seven Rising Star winners were named, including Tuberiu Nae from the Bristol hub, Matt Jackson from Oxford and Mufaro Chuma from Birmingham. The remaining 22 winners received the Outstanding Contribution Award. The full list of winners and their hubs is set out below.

Dr Victoria Hills, CIOB's Chief Executive, said: "Being recognised by fellow professionals as a rising star or for an outstanding contribution to the industry is something very special, and it's our privilege to shine a light on those who embody CIOB's values."

The winners

The UK winners of the Outstanding Contribution Award include Mark Swallow (South Yorkshire), Katy Robinson (West Yorkshire), Joshua Waterman (London), Sandra Janik (Manchester), Heather Fox (Cambridge), Leigh Jakeman (Northampton) and Wyn Harries (Wales).

Winners were also named from hubs in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Cape Town, Sydney, Melbourne, Toronto, Malaysia and Hong Kong, reflecting what CIOB described as a global scheme.

CIOB said the awards give its local hubs a way to showcase what their members have achieved and to highlight the positive impact construction professionals have in their communities.

Hills linked the scheme to the industry's need for people. "The construction industry needs talented people at every stage of their careers to help deliver the new homes, schools, hospitals and infrastructure our communities need," she said.

Background

Separately, a statement on the institute's awards website says the CIOB Board of Trustees decided to conclude the CIOB Awards, including the Construction Manager of the Year Awards, with the final event held in May. The statement does not give the year, and CIOB has not said how the two schemes relate.

In that statement CIOB said it had seen a steady decline in entries and sponsorship, and that the awards had become financially unsustainable, running at a considerable loss to its charitable operations. It said it would continue to explore new ways of showcasing outstanding contributions to the industry. The institute has not said the Hub Recognition Awards replace the discontinued programme.

The hubs through which the new awards are run are CIOB's local committee structure. According to the institute, hub committees meet four times a year, with meetings possible by video call, and members help draw up 12-month local plans and propose events, venues and sponsors.

Hills, who previously led the Royal Town Planning Institute, started as CIOB chief executive on 2 January 2026, according to the institute's announcement of her appointment.

CIOB described the 2026 scheme as the inaugural edition of the awards.